CEO of GTSA gives six negotiating tips for foreign buyers

Geoffrey McRae, GTSA Real Estate Consultants CEO, outlines some basic negotiation skills that can help when approaching the sales process in a foreign country. Many foreign buyers are uncomfortable or inexperienced with the negotiation process in a country where they know little about the local customs. While the vendor has their broker to negotiate for them, buyers are at their own mercy. ( the vendor’s broker will often also act as a buyer’s agent, which is the norm in most markets we cover,…
Chile is leading the way in Artificial Intelligence

The South American country stands out for its digital and data processing infrastructure, as well as the availability of technological devices, according to the Latin American Artificial Intelligence Index (ILIA). Chile has demonstrated its leading position in artificial intelligence (AI) in the region, according to the first edition of the Latin American Artificial Intelligence Index (ILIA). The index, produced by Chile’s National Center for Artificial Intelligence (CENIA) with the support…
The latest Rabobank Global Dairy report warns of more financial pain expected for dairy farmers, but that demand-led resurgence is now increasingly possible

With a complete rebalance of the Chinese dairy market not expected in the near term, dairy farmers around the globe will need to manage through more financial pain in the months ahead, according to Rabobank’s latest Global Dairy Quarterly report. But the storm won’t last forever, the report says, and with lower global prices stemming supply growth in key dairy production regions, there is an increasing possibility a demand resurgence could emerge well before milk output can recover, creating a whiplash…
MercadoPago is the most extensive online payment network in Latin America

Thanks to the digital revolution, many people now participate in e-commerce via their mobile phones. Online payments are becoming increasingly important. MercadoPago, the largest Latin American online payment network, was launched in 2012. MercadoLibre, an e-commerce marketplace and online bidding site, found it. It allows users to send and receive online payments safely, efficiently and quickly. Apps allow companies to charge customers in different ways: via email, social networks or websites, mobile applications,…
Consolidation of South American meat processing plants

Minerva Foods was the biggest exporter of beef in South America. It will take control of a San Luis unit in an operation worth US$ 1.5 billion for it and 16 other Marfrig Global Foods plants in Mercosur. Minerva Foods controls Swift in Rosario. Swift Argentina In Mercosur, the Brazilian company Minerva Foods, the biggest exporter of beef in South America, now controls 16 refrigeration plants owned by its rival, Brazilian Marfrig. Argentina, where they bought an establishment, will consolidate their number one…
Disappointing Chilean Wine Harvest 2023 (for wine growers)

(Very) Low prices for grapes grown for wine and an early harvest will be the keynote of this 2023 vintage, still in evolution, for a large part of the more than 130,000 planted hectares. Due to the lack of post-Covid reactivation in many countries, mainly China and Europe, high world stocks of wine have accumulated. This has led to Chile’s most extensive wine inventory since it was recorded with 1,400 MM litres (88% with D.O.) (Appellation of Origen or D.O. ODEPA, Wines of Chile). On the other hand, extremely…
Chilean wine exports suffer a severe decline: China and UK are the worst examples

According to Wines of Chile, Chile’s wine exports in 2023 saw “unprecedented decreases”, totalling 584 million dollars and 20 million boxes. This represents a 24 per cent drop in volume as well as value when compared with the same time last year. The report noted that “all 10 of our major consuming markets experienced a decline in our wine exports in this period. China, our top destination by value, saw volume and value decreases of 40 and 37 per cent, respectively.” The United…
Why South America should be considered a Preferred Investment Destination

GTSA principal Geoffrey McRae has lived and owned real estate in South America since 2003, so he has his own views of its opportunities and risks. He founded the real estate group under the Gateway to South America brand covering Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, Peru and Uruguay, so he has seen the benefits and challenges of operating in each country and market. In his opinion, business success in the region relies on the ability to understand the countries’ histories, their business customs and learn…
“Chile’s Real Estate Market Expected to Reach USD 11.55 Billion in 2023: 4.10% CAGR Growth Predicted for 2023-2028”

In recent years, the real estate market in Chile has experienced significant growth and is expected to continue its upward trend until 2023-2028. Market analysis shows that the real estate market in Chile reached a value of USD 11.55 billion in 2023. Additionally, the market is predicted to have a steady compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.10% throughout the forecast period. The Chilean government has initiated this growth by introducing new regulations and policies. For instance, in 2019, the government…
High-Value Property Marketing “The case for pre sale offers”

There are many different methods available for the marketing and sale of specialised high-value properties in addition to the traditional real estate listing arrangements of auction and tender type formats. There are advantages, disadvantages and tradeoffs associated with every marketing approach, and the best strategy for marketing and selling a specific property will vary based upon the ownership objectives and the particular property. One approach, which can be optimal in certain instances, is private, pre-marketing…
Is the the USD doomed as a world reserve currency?

The United States has benefited enormously from being the World’s Reserve Currency because much of the world still uses the dollar for international trade. This is because foreign governments must hold USD in their foreign exchange reserves to settle international claims and intervene in foreign exchange markets. In addition, many emerging market countries like Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay and Peru use USD dollars for capital goods. ie housing, commercial property, imported cars, commodities…
Chile and Peru have emerged as two of the real powerhouses of the Latin America fruit and vegetable sector

They have seen exports develop significantly to various international markets worldwide. Since the mid-1990s, Chilean exports have boomed in terms of value from around US$1.3 to over US$5.5 billion per annum, and Peru has seen its exports grow significantly, in the same period, from under US$200 million to over US$2.4 billion in an annual basis. In more recent years, though, the growth of Chilean exports has slowed while those from Peru have continued to increase impressively. The two industries share several…
In 2022, Chile was Latin America’s third-largest recipient of foreign direct investment. 2023 could even be better

The World Investment Report published by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) reveals Chile’s remarkable performance in attracting foreign direct investment. While surpassed by the region’s powerhouses, Mexico and Brazil, Chile’s investment inflows are higher than those of other significantly larger markets like Argentina, Colombia and Peru. In 2022, Latin America and the Caribbean experienced a substantial surge in FDI, with a total of US$224 billion flowing…
Investing in Chile’s Patagonia: A Wise Move for those looking for a bolt hole from the Northern Hemispheres Instability

Investing in Chile’s Patagonia can be exciting for those interested in sustainable tourism, renewable energy, and conservation efforts. Patagonia is a region of Chile located in the southernmost part of the country, known for its pristine wilderness, stunning landscapes, and diverse wildlife. It is a perfect investment opportunity for those concerned about the unstable political situation in the United States and Europe and for traditional estate investors. The region is known for its natural beauty,…